From 1988 to 2002, Charlotte’s professional basketball team was known as the Hornets, a fitting name for a team that was beloved by its city.

When the franchise relocated to New Orleans after the 2001-02 season, the Hornets name went with it. Michael Jordan, who owns Charlotte’s current team, the Bobcats, might have interest in changing that.

Michael Jordan has expressed interest in bringing the Hornets name back to Charlotte, if New Orleans was willing to part with it. (AP Photo)

When asked about the possibility, Jordan expressed interest in taking on the Hornets moniker, contingent on New Orleans relinquishing the name.

"It's definitely an interest down the road, but right now it's the New Orleans Hornets," Jordan told the Charlotte Observer. "We would definitely entertain the opportunity. That's as much as we can say right now. We've heard the community ask the question, and we would listen."

Ultimately, that decision won’t be in Jordan’s hands. The NBA will determine team names and colors, the league made clear in a Wednesday statement.

There is irony in Jordan trying to bring the Hornets name back to Charlotte. As a member of the Chicago Bulls, he competed against the Charlotte Hornets in the Eastern Conference. In his first return to North Carolina as a pro in 1988, the team’s inaugural season, the Hornets topped the Bulls, 103-101.